Jataka 246 Telovada
Telovada Jataka
Once on a time, when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta was born a brahmin. When he came of age he embraced the religious life.
He came down from Himalaya to get salt and seasoning, and next day walked the city, begging alms. A certain wealthy man designed to annoy the ascetic. So he brought him to his dwelling, and pointed out a seat, and then served him with fish. After the meal, the man sat on one side, and said,
"This food was prepared on purpose for you, by killing living creatures. Not upon my head is this wrong, but upon yours!" And he repeated the first stanza:
"The wicked kills, and cooks, and gives to eat:
He is defiled with sin that takes such meat."
On hearing this, the Bodhisatta recited the second stanza:
"The wicked may for gift slay wife or son,
Yet, if the holy eat, no sin is done."
And the Bodhisatta with these words of instruction rose from his seat and departed.